Catalog Archive
Auction 140, Lot 569

"Portugalliae que olim Lusitania, Novissima & Exactissima Descriptio Auctore Vernando Alvaro Secco", Ortelius, Abraham

Subject: Portugal

Period: 1573 (circa)

Publication: Theatrum Orbis Terrarum

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20 x 13.3 inches
50.8 x 33.8 cm
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This is one of the earliest and most beautiful maps of Portugal. It is oriented with north to the right and richly adorned with two large cartouches, sailing ships and a very devilish-looking sea monster. The map is based on Fernando Alvarez Secco's map of 1560. The cartouche at bottom contains a dedication to Cardinal Camerlengo, Guido Ascanius Sfortia, from Secco that enumerates the great achievements of Portugal. Dutch text on verso.

References: Van den Broecke #26.

Condition: B+

Lovely old color on watermarked paper with light damp stains in blank margins, barely entering map at corners. French manuscript writing on verso opposing the Dutch text.

Estimate: $500 - $650

Sold for: $650

Closed on 5/23/2012

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